Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Decrease Bone Morphogenetic Protein Type 2-Induced Inflammation In Vivo

Purpose Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (rhBMP-2) has been used to promote bone regeneration. In contrast, some reports have suggested rhBMP-2 does not provide advantages over autogenous bone grafting owing to the undesirable postoperative symptoms of this growth factor. Because the undesirable symptoms of rhBMP-2 are usually promoted by inflammation, this study evaluated the in vivo effect of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) incorporated into polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffolds in decreasing the inflammatory response induced by a low dose of rhBMP-2. Materials and Methods PLGA scaffolds were characterized and loaded with rhBMP-2 1, 2.5, or 5 μg per scaffold (n = 6) and the in vitro released protein amounts were quantified at 7 hours and 1, 7, and 21 days after loading (n = 3). The muscle tissue of 6 beagles received the following treatments: PLGA, PLGA plus rhBMP-2 (2.5 μg), and PLGA plus rhBMP-2 plus ASCs (1 × 106 ASCs). The samples were evaluated 45 days after surgery. Statistical analyses were performed and the P value was set at .05. Results PLGA plus rhBMP-2 plus ASCs yielded the smallest number of inflammatory foci ( P < .001) and giant cells ( P < .001) and the largest number of angiogenesis sites ( P < .001). Conclusions Human ASCs administered in vivo into PLGA scaffolds with a low dose of rhBMP-2 decrease tissue inflammation and increase angiogenesis in muscular sites.